Gladys Erickson, 79, of Austin, Minn., formerly of Carlos, Minn., died on May 2, 2013, at home with her family by her side.

The daughter of Singvald and Olga (Sorenson) Pederson, Gladys was born on Nov. 30, 1933, in Osakis, Minn. After graduating from Osakis High School, Gladys married Rollin Erickson on May 3, 1952. To this union three children were born: Dave, Jim and Mary.

Gladys was a full-time homemaker and volunteered for many service organizations. She was a contributing member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Carlos, Minn., as well as a lifetime member of VFW Post 936 Auxiliary. Gladys and her husband were active members of the Good Sam Club, which provides seeing-eye dogs for the blind as part of their core mission. She took great pride in serving her community throughout her lifetime.

Gladys enjoyed camping rendezvouses with her husband, listening to music and visiting with family and friends. She was an avid reader and a whiz at doing all kinds of puzzles.

Known throughout their social circles as “Rollie and Glady,” together they enjoyed socializing with the many friends they had made throughout their lives, always sharing stories and a laugh or two; none quite as special as the get-togethers with the VSOP Club of Carlos.

She will be remembered by her loved ones as compassionate, loyal, family-oriented and quick to volunteer around the community.

Gladys is survived by her sons, David (Irene) Erickson of Fosston, Minn., and Jim Erickson of St. Ansgar, Iowa; daughter, Mary (Joe) Davidson of Lyle, Minn.; five grandchildren, David Jr., Jesse, Brian, Lee and Maya; two step-grandchildren, Danny and Andy; four great-grandchildren, Dylan, Charlie, Megan and Preston; brothers, Ronald (Janet) Pederson and Richard Pederson; sisters, Anita (Dennis) Neisius, and Sandra (Donald) VanValkenburg.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Rollin; granddaughter, Jennifer; brothers, Ordean Pederson and Michael Pederson; sisters, Irene Cupples, Selma Jung and Eunice Peterson.

Pallbearers are David Erickson Jr., Jesse Erickson, Brian Erickson, Lee Erickson, Maya Erickson and Daniel Davidson. Honorary pallbearers are Dick and Luella Thom, Wes and Barb Hoyhtya, Doug and Joyce Muyres, Jeff and Sherry Gunderson, Dan and Julie Kakac, Andrew Davidson, Allen Davidson, Good Sam Club and the VFW Post 936 Auxiliary.

A funeral service was held on Tuesday, May 7, 2013, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Carlos, Minn., with the Rev. Robert Peterson officiating. Music was provided by organist, Joan Petersen. Interment was at Evergreen Cemetery in Alexandria, Minn. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria, www.andersonfuneral.net.